Ayew gets new coach as Guidolin takes over Swansea

Andre Ayew will be working with Italian trainer Francesco Guidolin at Swansea City as the English Premier League side appoints the former Udinese coach as the club’s Head Coach.

The experienced Italian, 60, arrived at the Liberty Stadium Monday and will have a watching brief at tonight’s Barclays Premier League clash with Watford (8pm).

Highly-rated, he will work alongside interim manager Alan Curtis until the end of the season, although Guidolin will have the final say on team selection.

Guidolin has a wealth of experience and success having led Udinese to third place in Serie A – recording their highest top-flight finish and points tally – and sealing their first Champions League campaign.

He also has three promotions on his CV with Parma, Palermo and Vicenza where he made his name after lifting the Italian Cup and leading them to the Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final, where they lost to Chelsea.

“We are very pleased with the appointment,” declared Swans Chairman Huw Jenkins. “His experience and knowledge will be a huge asset to the club.

“Although we recently appointed Alan Curtis as manager until the end of the campaign, he was aware and comfortable with the fact that we were still looking to bring someone in to assist if we found the right person.

“We believe we have found that person in Francesco. He has an excellent record, especially with Udinese over the last few years. He created an Udinese side from a relatively small budget – compared to the rest of the league – that competed with the big teams in Serie A.

“He instilled a belief and motivation to compete and beat the best Italy had to offer. It is similar to what this football club is trying to do in the Premier League.

“He also has a wealth of knowledge of players throughout Europe which will be a big boost on our recruitment side; something we have been reviewing in a lot more depth over the last few months.

“When the need arose to look for a new manager or head coach, those characteristics stood out from a number of other potential candidates, together with the enthusiasm he has shown to come in and help us turn our season around and retain our Premier League status.”

Both parties have agreed to review the position at the end of the season with the option of extending the contract.

The 60-year-old started out in charge of minor club Giorgione, and has also had spells at Atalanta, Bologna, Genoa and Palermo.